“Forgive, not because others deserve forgiveness, but because you deserve peace.”
– Anonymous

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What Is Ho’oponopono?

Ho’oponopono is a traditional Hawaiian practice of spiritual healing through love and forgiveness. The word means “to make things right.” It’s not strictly a meditation, but an ancient healing technique that has evolved into a powerful contemplative and transformative practice.

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The Meaning of the Ho’oponopono Mantra

Similar to transcendental meditation, Ho’oponopono involves repeating a single, simple mantra:

I’m sorry
Please forgive me
Thank you
I love you

This prayer is directed to the Higher Self. Its purpose is to heal ourselves, and through that healing, restore balance in our relationships with others.
Forgiving ourselves means healing a collective wound. When we sincerely ask for forgiveness for our wrongdoings, we purify our karma. By offering love to ourselves and all living beings, we create harmony around us.

If it's too difficult to begin with self-forgiveness, you can reverse the process: repeat the mantra while mentally focusing on someone who has caused you pain. As your tension and resentment begin to dissolve, you may feel ready to turn the prayer inward, toward yourself.

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Why Practice Ho’oponopono Meditation?

This practice invites us to take full responsibility for our experiences.
By asking forgiveness and offering compassion, we heal limiting memories, purify our energy, and restore harmony in our relationships. Ho’oponopono reconnects us with our essence and brings clarity, humility, and inner freedom.

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Origins and Evolution of Ho’oponopono

Rituals similar to Ho’oponopono were traditionally practiced across the islands of the South Pacific. In Hawaii, healing priests (kahuna lapa’au) guided families in resolving internal conflict or aiding a sick family member through collective reconciliation and forgiveness.

The modern individual version of Ho’oponopono was developed by Morrnah Nalamaku Simeona, a Hawaiian spiritual teacher officially recognized as a kahuna lapa’au in 1983. She adapted the ritual for personal spiritual growth and karmic purification, stating:

“You must experience in yourself what you have done to others.”

Simeona’s method did not include the now-famous mantra. Instead, she developed a 12-step process influenced by Christianity and Indian philosophy. Her aim was to release painful memories and purify our perception of “error” in thoughts, words, and actions.

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The Story of Dr. Hew Len

The most well-known example of modern Ho’oponopono is the story of Dr. Ihaleakala Hew Len, a Hawaiian psychologist and student of Morrnah Simeona.
He is said to have healed an entire ward of psychiatric patients without ever meeting them, simply by applying the Ho’oponopono process while reviewing their files.

Dr. Hew Len passed away on January 15, 2022, leaving this powerful message:

“The only task in your life and mine is to return our identities—our minds—back to their original state of emptiness, or zero.”

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How to Practice Ho’oponopono Meditation

The mantra can be used anytime during the day—just one mindful minute can reconnect you to your intention. But from time to time, it's important to create space for a complete meditative practice.

Guided Ho’oponopono Meditation:

Sit in a comfortable position, with your back upright.

Breathe in through your nose, and exhale audibly through your open mouth.

Scan your body and release physical tension with each exhale—legs, pelvis, shoulders, face, throat.

Keep your abdomen gently drawn in to support the spine.

Find your natural breathing rhythm.

Place your right hand over your heart, left hand over the right.

Bring to mind someone or something you'd like to heal.

Slowly and consciously say each phrase out loud:
I’m sorry – Please forgive me – Thank you – I love you

Let yourself feel the emotions behind the words.
Eventually, with practice, you can whisper or repeat the mantra silently—
but in the beginning, it’s important to speak it aloud with presence.

Take a deep breath. Let it go.
Take a moment to feel your heart space. Notice what has shifted.
Feel gratitude—for this moment, for yourself, for the small and great things in your life. Let this inner light shine.

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The Zen Teaching of Forgiveness

A young student once told his master:
“I’m always too hard on myself. When I make mistakes, I feel like I don’t deserve forgiveness. Why is it easier to forgive others than to forgive myself?”

The master brought him to an old well.
“Look inside,” he said.
The student leaned over and saw his reflection in the water.
“What do you see?” asked the master.
“Myself,” replied the student.

Then the master struck the water with his staff. The reflection disappeared in the ripples.

“What do you see now?”
“Nothing—the water is too agitated.”

The master smiled:

“Forgiveness is like calm water. When you look at others, your heart is still—capable of reflecting love and understanding.
But when you look at yourself, you often stir the water with the stick of judgment.
How can you forgive yourself if you don’t let your heart become calm again?
Treat yourself as you would treat a friend. If it were their reflection, what would you do?”

“Self-compassion is the only way to restore clear water—and to reconnect with who you truly are.”

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Want to deepen your practice?

Explore the Ho’oponopono mala in my shop—handcrafted to support your healing, your intention, and your connection with inner peace.